The House of Representatives has asked the Federal Government to urgently transmit the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance titled: “Ensures long term macro-economic stability of the national economy” by Reps member Clement Jimbo.
Leading the debate on the motion, Jimbo said that the MTEF if quickly submitted to the National Assembly will give members enough time to work on the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
Jimbo stated that Section 11(1)(b) stipulates that the Federal Government must submit MTEF not later than four months before the commencement of the next financial year, and lay it before the National Assembly.
He further hinted that section 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution as well as section 30(1) of FRA 2007, specifically, section 88(1) give both Chambers of the National Assembly the power to investigate any arm or agency of Government that fails to comply with the law enacted by the National Assembly in disbursing and administering monies appropriated or to be appropriated by the National Assembly.
The House, worried by time wasted by arms of Government and agencies for non-compliance, urged the executive to comply with section 11(1)(b) and submit to the National Assembly 2025 Budget proposal without further delays to enable the House carry out it functions as enshrined in section 88(2)(b).
He expressed worry that Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution as well as section 30(1) of FRA 2007, specifically, section 88(1) stipulate that subject to other provisions of the 1999 Constitution,
“Each House of the National Assembly shall have the power, by passing resolutions, to direct, or cause to be directed, an investigation into any matter or thing with respect to which it has power to make laws, and into the conduct of affairs of any person, authority, ministry of government department charged or intended to be charged with the duty of or responsibility for executing of administrating laws enacted by the National Assembly and for disbursing or administrating monies appropriated or to be appropriated by the National Assembly.”
According to him, the time the National Assembly requires to exercise its functions as enshrined in section 88(2)(b) “Is technically being taken away by the non-compliance of section 11(1)(b) of FRA 2007 by the executive.”
In his contribution, Billy Osawaru, said the timely late arrival of annual budget proposals “Is one of the ways Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government shortchange Nigerians.
“If it takes four months to go through budget estimates, it should be four months.”
Also contributing, Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, expressed support for the motion, noting that unless budget estimates arrives the parliament on time; it would be difficult for legislators to scrutinise it in the interest of Nigerians.
“This government prides itself on the adherence to the January-December budget cycle. It is a good development,” he said.
Following the adoption of the motion, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas who presided over the plenary session, urged the Federal Government to comply with section 11(1)(b) and submit to the National Assembly 2025 Budget proposal without further delays.
It also mandated the Committees on National Planning and Economic Development, Appropriation and Finance to ensure compliance within two weeks. FG Unveils 150 Million-litre Jet Fuel Depot
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has unveiled the Joint User Hydrant Installation 2 (JUHI-2) with a storage capacity of 150 million litres of Jet A1 fuel.
The facility is described as the largest airside jet fuel depot in Nigeria, having the capability of delivering a minimum of 150 million litres of ATK supplies monthly to airlines, implying that it can deliver 20 per cent of the current nation’s annual sales volume in a month.
The depot is a collaborative project by a consortium of companies, including Eterna Plc, Masters Energy Oil & Gas, Techno Oil & Gas, Rahamaniyya Oil & Gas, Ibafon Oil, Quest Oil Group, and First Deep Water Limited.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony held at the JUHI-2 ventures limited premises, Ikeja in Lagos on Thursday, Keyamo lauded the project, saying it has brought Nigeria global relevance and recognition.
He noted that the facility would help curb the issue of flight delays and flight cancellations which most times had been a result of a lack of Jet A1 fuel.
According to the minister, the depot was strategically well positioned as it is close to both the local and international airports, which is an international requirement.
He said, “This facility is strategic and supportive to the aviation ecosystem in Nigeria. We normally experience a lot of flight cancellations, and flight delays and in some cases, it is attributed to lack of Jet A1 fuel.
“It is also an international requirement. You have just made us globally relevant because it requires that this kind of facility should not be far away from all major airports in the world.
“It is also a requirement for hajj operations. Before any airport is approved for hajj operations, they ensure that such facilities are very close to the airport. In so many ways this is a global requirement and I thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart for this massive infrastructural investment to support the aviation ecosystem in Nigeria.”
Disclosing the recent feats in the aviation sector, the minister said Nigeria has been removed from the watchlist of non-compliant countries, having scaled 75.5 per cent in aircraft financing from 70.5 per cent.
He stated that airlines in Nigeria can now access aircraft on dry leases all over the world.
In her address, the Chairman of JUHI-2 Limited, Patience Dappa, explained that the facility will strengthen the nation’s energy security and provide a reliable and robust jet fuel supply chain.
Dappa, a legal practitioner, stated that the depot would ensure rapid response times and faster refuelling processes, reducing delays and improving overall flight scheduling, to enhance the competitiveness of airports and airlines, positioning Nigeria as a regional leader in aviation.
She said, “This facility is equipped with state-of-the-art filtration systems, a jet fuel discharge system capable of loading four bowsers simultaneously, a modern laboratory, and cutting-edge fire prevention measures. It is a strategic asset, designed to provide a steady, reliable supply of jet fuel to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMA1, MMA2, and nearby airbases.
“In building JUHI-2, we are not only enhancing infrastructure; we are laying the foundation for Nigeria’s continued growth in aviation. This facility will serve airlines, cargo carriers, private jet operators, and other aviation stakeholders, ensuring world-class fuel service and maximising operational efficiency. In essence, we are not just fueling planes; we are fueling the future of aviation in Nigeria.
“Beyond its operational significance, JUHI-2 will generate numerous benefits for Nigeria. It will create direct and indirect employment opportunities, contributing to a reduction in unemployment within the region. It will also stimulate economic growth by boosting related industries such as transportation, logistics, and maintenance services. This facility will play a pivotal role in the development of the airport area and its surrounding communities.”
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Eterna Oil Plc, Abiola Lawal, said JUHI-2 is equipped with cutting-edge technology that guarantees the highest standards of operational efficiency.
Lukman added that JUHI-2 can take delivery of four bridgers/aviation fuel trucks at a time which is the first of its kind in Nigeria today.
He said, “In addition, this depot has the capability of loading four bowsers at a time. In all the above, the average truck delivery/turn-around time will be a minimum of 25 minutes, allowing for high volume and high-frequency aviation fuel handling.
“To ensure the highest standards of fuel quality, JUHI 2 is equipped with an on-site laboratory as well as a modern filtration system. This specially designed system allows each of the four bowser loading points to have a dedicated filter.”
Director of Legal Services, Federal Airports Authority Nigeria, Bridget Gold, remarked that the fuel depot would play a crucial role in supporting operations, improving service delivery, and bolstering national economic growth.
Punch/ Naomi Akinkunle
